Creation and execution of customised code for a data processing platform

ABSTRACT

A method of executing computer-readable code for interaction with one or more data resources on a data processing platform is disclosed, wherein the method is performed using one or more processors. The method may comprise receiving a request message including an identifier identifying executable code stored in a data repository. Another operation may comprise determining, using the identifier, an execution environment mapped to the executable code. Another operation may comprise executing the identified executable code using the determined execution environment. A further operation may comprise passing requests made with the executable code to one or more data resources via a proxy. Also disclosed is a method of creating customized computer-readable code for interaction with one or more data resources on a data processing platform, wherein the method is performed using one or more processors. This method may comprise receiving, through a code creation tool, user entered computer-readable code, committing the entered code to a data repository and creating an identifier which maps to the committed code and to an execution environment for running the committed code on the data processing platform.

BENEFIT CLAIM

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of GreatBritain application 1716173.8, filed Oct. 4, 2017, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as iffully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a method and systems for the creationof customised, computer-readable code for a data processing platform.The present disclosure also relates to the execution of customised,computer-readable code for a data processing platform. The customised,computer-readable code may be for interaction with one or more dataresources stored on the data processing platform. The data processingplatform may be, but is not limited to, an enterprise, cloud-based dataprocessing platform for performing data analysis.

BACKGROUND

Cloud computing is a computing infrastructure for enabling ubiquitousaccess to shared pools of servers, storage, computer networks,applications and other data resources, which can be rapidly provisioned,often over the Internet.

A data resource in this context is any form of executable software ordata structure, usually but not exclusively for providing a service (andhence may be referred to as a data or software service) for example adata analysis application, a data transformation application, a reportgenerating application, a machine learning process, a spreadsheet or adatabase.

Some companies provide cloud computing services for registeredcustomers, for example manufacturing and technology companies, tocreate, store, manage and execute their own data resources. Sometimes,these data resources may interact with other software resources, forexample those provided by the cloud platform provider.

For example, an engine manufacturer may create and store a databaserelating to spare parts for the different models of engines it producesand services. The database may, for example, be a multi-dimensionalrelational database. The engine manufacturer may also create one or moredata analysis applications for performing certain tasks on data held inthe database, for example to analyse and/or transform the data in orderto identify trends which may be useful for predicting when certain partswill fail and/or need replacing, and hence when to produce and deploythe spare parts.

A platform provider may enable its registered customers to create theirown customised code for storage and execution on their platform.Customised code is any user-created code for storage and execution on athird-party data processing platform.

The customised code may require interaction with other data resources onthe platform. For example, an engine manufacturer may wish to create anew data resource for storage and execution on the data processingplatform which passes a query to, and receives a result from, anotherdata resource on the data processing platform. The other data resourcemay be associated with the engine manufacturer or a differentorganisation.

A problem with allowing users to create their own customised code isthat the code may not conform to the platform's own technicalrequirements or protocols, for example in terms of data format andsecurity policies. Consequently, the customised code may interfere withthe normal operation of the data processing platform, slowing it down,and/or affecting other data resources and/or potentially corruptingother data resources on the data processing platform.

One way of permitting external users to create their own customised codeis to for the platform provider to work alongside the external user,which has obvious practical limitations in terms of human resources andtime. Another method is to provide users with a set of software guidancetools or documentation to assist them in creating code suitable for theplatform, which tends not to be foolproof. When the customised code isprepared, the user usually needs to upload their code to a server of theplatform in a separate operation or to send the code on a CD or DVD tothe platform provider for uploading to the server at their end.

SUMMARY

A first aspect provides a method of executing computer-readable code forinteraction with one or more data resources on a data processingplatform, wherein the method is performed using one or more processors,comprising: receiving a request message including an identifieridentifying executable code stored in a data repository; determining,using the identifier, an execution environment mapped to the executablecode; executing the identified executable code using the determinedexecution environment; and passing requests made with the executablecode to one or more data resources via a proxy.

The identifier may be an endpoint. The endpoint may be a universalresource locator (URL.)

The execution environment with which the identified executable code isexecuted may be isolated from the one or more data resources such thatall requests made to, or received from, said data resources are made viathe proxy.

The method may further comprise the proxy only passing requests made bythe identified executable code to one or more data resources if said oneor more data resources is pre-authorised.

Determining the execution environment mapped to the executable code maycomprise accessing mapping data identifying a mapping between theidentifier and one of a plurality of stored execution environments.

The mapping data may further comprise configuration data associated withthe identifier, and wherein the method further may comprise configuringthe determined execution environment based on the configuration data.

The configuration data may identify one or more convention-based datalibraries particular to the executable code, and wherein the method maycomprise configuring the determined execution environment to access theone or more convention-based data libraries during execution.

The executable code may be user-created computer-readable code enteredthrough a code creation tool for storage on the data repository, thecode creation tool being associated with the data processing platform.

The code creation tool may comprise an editor for receiving entered codeand a debugging aid for indicating one or more of syntax errors, logicalerrors and runtime errors in the entered code for conformance with thedata processing platform and/or the data resources with which theentered code will interact.

The debugging aid may cause indication of the errors simultaneously withthe user-created code as it is entered.

The debugging aid may interact with an isolated test executionenvironment in order to identify runtime errors for indication.

The code creation tool may permit commitment of the entered code forstorage on the data repository.

Commitment of code may only be permitted if the entered code conformswith the data processing platform and/or the data resources with whichthe code will interact.

The code creation tool may further temporarily store entered, butnon-committed code, and wherein an isolated test execution environmentmay execute both the committed and non-committed code for displayingtest output and/or indicating errors.

A second aspect provides a method of creating customisedcomputer-readable code for interaction with one or more data resourceson a data processing platform, wherein the method is performed using oneor more processors, the method comprising: receiving, through a codecreation tool, user-entered computer-readable code; committing theentered code to a data repository; creating an identifier which maps tothe committed code and to an execution environment for running thecommitted code on the data processing platform.

The identifier may be an endpoint. The endpoint may be a URL.

The method may further comprise receiving the identifier from a proxy,and sending back to the proxy the mapped committed code and anindication of the execution environment for execution of the committedcode at the proxy.

The code creation tool may comprise an editor for receiving entered codeand a debugging aid for indicating one or more of syntax errors, logicalerrors and runtime errors in the entered code for conformance with thedata processing platform and/or the external data resources with whichthe entered code will interact, the method further comprising testingthe entered code using the debugging aid to indicate one or more of saiderrors.

The debugging aid may cause indication of the errors simultaneously withthe user-created code as it is entered.

The debugging aid may interacts with an isolated test executionenvironment in order to identify runtime errors for indication.

The code creation tool may permit commitment of the entered code forstorage on the data repository.

Commitment of code may only be permitted if the entered code conformswith requirements of the data processing platform and/or the dataresources with which the code will interact.

The code creation tool may further temporarily store entered, butnon-committed code, and wherein an isolated test execution environmentexecutes both the committed and non-committed code for displaying testoutput and/or indicating errors.

A third aspect provides a computer program, optionally stored on anon-transitory computer readable medium program which, when executed byone or more processors of a data processing apparatus, causes the dataprocessing apparatus to carry out a method according to any previousmethod definition.

A fourth aspect provides an apparatus configured to carry out a methodaccording to any previous method definition, the apparatus comprisingone or more processors or special-purpose computing hardware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting examplewith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network system comprising agroup of application servers of a data processing platform according toembodiments of this specification;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computer system according to embodimentsof this specification;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a container of a containerised computerplatform according to embodiments of this specification;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of functional components of a code creationtool according to embodiments of this specification;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing processing steps that may be performedby the code creation tool represented in FIG. 4 according to embodimentsof this specification;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing further processing steps that may beperformed by the code creation tool represented in FIG. 4 according toembodiments of this specification;

FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are example user interface screenshots representingdifferent operating stages of the code creation tool according toembodiments of this specification.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of functional components of a codeexecution tool according to embodiments of this specification; and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing processing steps that may be performedas part of the FIG. 8 code creation tool according to embodiments ofthis specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In brief, this specification describes methods and systems for thecreation of customised, computer-readable code for a data processingplatform. The present disclosure also relates to the execution ofcustomised, computer-readable code for a data processing platform. Thecustomised, computer-readable code may be for interaction with one ormore data resources stored on the data processing platform. The dataprocessing platform may be, but is not limited to, an enterprise,cloud-based data processing platform for performing data analysis.

The methods and systems may enable a platform provider to permit itsregistered customers to create their own customised code for storage andexecution on the platform provider's platform.

Customised code is any user-created code for storage and execution on athird-party data processing platform.

The customised code may require interaction with other data resources onthe platform. For example, an engine manufacturer may wish to create anew data resource for storage and execution on the data processingplatform which passes a query to, and receives a result from, anotherdata resource on the data processing platform. The other data resourcemay be associated with the engine manufacturer or a differentorganisation.

A problem with allowing users to create their own customised code isthat the code may not conform to the platform's own technicalrequirements or protocols, for example in terms of data format andsecurity policies. Consequently, the customised code may interfere withthe normal operation of the data processing platform, slowing it down,and/or affecting other data resources and/or potentially corruptingother data resources on the data processing platform.

One way of permitting external users to create their own customised codeis to for the platform provider to work alongside the external user,which has obvious practical limitations in terms of human resources andtime. Another method is to provide users with a set of software guidancetools or documentation to assist them in creating code suitable for theplatform, which tends not to be foolproof. When the customised code isprepared, the user usually needs to upload their code to a server of theplatform in a separate operation or to send the code on a CD or DVD tothe platform provider for uploading to the server at their end.

In terms of the creating customised computer-readable code forinteraction with one or more data resources on the data processingplatform, the method may involve receiving, through a code creationtool, user-entered computer-readable code. The method may also involvecommitting the entered code to a data repository, and creating anidentifier which maps to the committed code to an execution environmentfor running the committed code on the data processing platform.

The identifier may be an endpoint, for example a Uniform ResourceLocator (URL.)

In this way, user entered code in the data repository may be isolatedfrom other data resources of the data processing platform such that thecode, and the execution environment with which it is to be executed, canbe identified simply by means of the identifier, e.g. a URL or otherendpoint. For example, the program can be executed simply by passing theidentifier to a control system which then retrieves the identified codeand execution environment and executes the code accordingly forinteraction with other data resources, for example via a proxy, ensuringthat the code does not adversely affect or impact the other dataresources.

The code creation tool may comprise an editor for receiving entered codeand a debugging aid for indicating one or more of syntax errors, logicalerrors and runtime errors in the entered code for conformance with thedata processing platform and/or the external services with which theentered code will interact. The code creation tool may test the enteredcode using the debugging aid to indicate one or more of said errors. Thedebugging aid may cause an indication of the errors simultaneously withthe user-created code as it is entered. The debugging aid may interactwith an isolated test execution environment in order to identify runtimeerrors for indication.

The code creation tool may permit commitment of the entered code forstorage on the data repository, which may only be permitted if theentered code conforms with requirements of the data processing platformand/or the external services with which the code will interact.

The code creation tool may further temporarily store entered, butnon-committed code, and an isolated test execution environment mayexecute both the committed and non-committed code for displaying testoutput and/or indicating errors.

In terms of executing the customised, computer-readable code, themethods and systems may involve receiving a request message includingthe identifier identifying executable code stored in a data repository.Using the identifier, an execution environment mapped to the executablecode may be determined, and the identified executable code executedusing the determined execution environment. Requests made by theexecuted code to one or more data resources on the processing system maybe made via a proxy.

The identifier may be an endpoint, for example a URL.

The execution environment with which the identified executable code isexecuted may be isolated from the one or more external services suchthat all requests made to, or received from, an external service aremade via the proxy. The proxy may only pass requests made by theidentified executable code to one or more external services if said oneor more external services is pre-authorised, i.e. stored on a whitelistwhich identifies authorised applications considered safe forinteraction.

Mapping data may be used, identifying a mapping between the identifierand one of a plurality of stored execution environments. The mappingdata may further comprise configuration data associated with theidentifier, and wherein the method further comprises configuring thedetermined execution environment based on the configuration data. Theconfiguration data may identify one or more convention-based datalibraries particular to the executable code. The method may compriseconfiguring the determined execution environment to access the one ormore convention-based data libraries during execution.

The code creation tool may be as defined previously, but is not limitedto such an embodiment.

In the context of the following, the following definitions apply.

Customised code is any user-created code for storage and execution on athird party data processing platform.

A data processing platform is any computing platform on which executablecode, or software, may be executed, providing particular functionalityand restrictions, in that low-level functionality is provided which theexecutable code needs to conform to.

A data resource is any form of executable software, data set, or datastructure usually, but not exclusively for providing a service, forexample a data analysis application, a data transformation application,a report generating application, a machine learning process, aspreadsheet or a database.

A data repository is any form of data storage entity into which data isspecifically partitioned or isolated.

An execution environment is any representation of an execution platform,such as an operating system or a database management system.

A proxy, or proxy server, is any form of computer system, application orcombination which acts as an intermediary for requests between differentcomputer systems, different servers, clients and servers, differentapplications and different data resources. Proxies enable anonymityand/or isolation between different such resources.

A dataset, sometimes used interchangeably with data; a dataset holdsdata on the data processing platform, and usually has an accompanyingschema for the dataset in order to make sense, or interpret, the datawithin the dataset.

The data processing platform may be an enterprise software platformassociated with an enterprise platform provider. An enterprise softwareplatform enables use by multiple users, internal and external to theenterprise platform provider. The users may be users of differentrespective organisations, such as different commercial companies.

The data resources stored on the software platform may relate totechnical data and/or technical processes. For example, an enginemanufacturer may create and store a database relating to spare parts forthe different models of engines it produces and services. The databasemay, for example, be a multi-dimensional relational database. Certainanalyses may be performed on the database using another application, forexample an executable application resource for analysing and/ortransforming the data in order to identify trends which may be usefulfor predicting when certain parts will fail and/or need replacing.

For this purpose, the software platform may comprise enterpriseapplications for machine-analysis of data resources. For example, anorganisation may store on the software platform history data for amachine and use an enterprise application for the processing of historydata for the machine in order to determine the probability, or a riskscore, of the machine, or a component sub-system of the machine,experiencing a fault during a future interval. The enterpriseapplication may use the fault probabilities or risk scores determinedfor a machine to select a preventative maintenance task which can reducethe probability and/or severity of the machine experiencing a fault.

History data for a machine may include sensor logs, a sensor log beingmultiple measurements of physical parameters captured by a sensor andrelating to different points in time (a time series). History data for amachine may also include computer readable logs such as maintenancelogs, fault logs and message logs corresponding to a machine. Themaintenance log corresponding to the machine may record information suchas dates and locations of prior maintenance tasks, details ofreplacement parts, free text notes made by an engineer or mechanicperforming a maintenance task and so forth. The fault log correspondingto the machine may record information such as dates and locations offaults, the types of faults, the period of time required to rectify eachfault and so forth. The message log corresponding to a machine, such asa ship or construction machinery, may records messages generated bycontrollers, processors or similar devices which are integrated into thecomponent sub-systems of the machine. The messages may include a dateand time, an identifier of a component sub-system, and message contentsuch as, for example, warning information of information identifying afault.

The above application is mentioned by way of example.

The data processing platform on which the data resources are stored andexecuted may be a proprietary or open source platform, which offersadvantages in terms of time-to-deploy on the platform provider'shardware, as well as offering partitioning of data and rolling upgrades.An example open source platform is Kubernetes, which is particularlysuited for automated deployment, scaling and management of applications.Such software platforms may employ containerised data resources.

In this regard, a containerised data resource comprises “containers”which hold one or more applications, and associated data libraries, thatare guaranteed to be co-located on the same host machine and which canshare resources.

Such software platforms may also provide a set of primitives whichcollectively provide mechanisms for deploying, maintaining and scalingapplications. A basic scheduling unit may be called a pod. A pod mayconsist of one or more containers.

FIG. 1 is a network diagram depicting a network system 100 comprising adata processing platform 102 in communication with a network-basedpermissioning system 104 (hereafter “permissioning system”) configuredfor registering and evaluating access permissions for data resources towhich a group of application servers 106-108 share common access,according to an example embodiment. Consistent with some embodiments,the network system 100 may employ a client-server architecture, thoughthe present subject matter is, of course, not limited to such anarchitecture, and could equally well find application in anevent-driven, distributed, or peer-to-peer architecture system, forexample. Moreover, it shall be appreciated that although the variousfunctional components of the network system 100 are discussed in thesingular sense, multiple instances of one or more of the variousfunctional components may be employed.

The data processing platform 102 includes a group of applicationservers, specifically, servers 106-108, which host network applications109-111, respectively. The network applications 109-111 hosted by thedata processing platform 102 may collectively compose an applicationsuite that provides users of the network system 100 with a set ofrelated, although independent, functionalities that are accessible by acommon interface. For example, the network applications 109-111 maycompose a suite of software application tools that can be used toanalyse data to develop various insights about the data, and visualizevarious metrics associated with the data. To further this example, thenetwork application 109 may be used to analyse data to developparticular metrics with respect to information included therein, whilethe network application 110 may be used to render graphicalrepresentations of such metrics. It shall be appreciated that althoughFIG. 1 illustrates the data processing platform 102 as including aparticular number of servers, the subject matter disclosed herein is notlimited to any particular number of servers and in other embodiments,fewer or additional servers and applications may be included.

The applications 109-111 may be associated with a first organisation.One or more other applications (not shown) may be associated with asecond, different organisation. These other applications may be providedon one or more of the application servers 106, 107, 108 which need notbe specific to a particular organisation. Where two or more applicationsare provided on a common server 106-108 (or host), they may becontainerised which as mentioned above enables them to share commonfunctions.

Each of the servers 106-108 may in communication with the network-basedpermissioning system 104 over a network 112 (e.g. the Internet or anintranet). Each of the servers 106-108 are further shown to be incommunication with a database server 114 that facilitates access to aresource database 116 over the network 112, though in other embodiments,the servers 106-108 may access the resource database 116 directly,without the need for a separate database server 114. The resourcedatabase 116 may stores other data resources that may be used by any oneof the applications 109-111 hosted by the data processing platform 102.

In other embodiments, one or more of the database server 114 and thenetwork-based permissioning system 104 may be local to the dataprocessing platform 102; that is, they may be stored in the samelocation or even on the same server or host as the network applications109, 110, 111.

As shown, the network system 100 also includes a client device 118 incommunication with the data processing platform 102 and thenetwork-based permissioning system 104 over the network 106. The clientdevice 118 communicates and exchanges data with the data processingplatform 102.

The client device 118 may be any of a variety of types of devices thatinclude at least a display, a processor, and communication capabilitiesthat provide access to the network 106 (e.g., a smart phone, a tabletcomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal navigationdevice (PND), a handheld computer, a desktop computer, a laptop ornetbook, or a wearable computing device), and may be operated by a user(e.g., a person) to exchange data with other components of the networksystem 100 that pertains to various functions and aspects associatedwith the network system 100 and its users. The data exchanged betweenthe client device 118 and the data processing platform 102 involveuser-selected functions available through one or more user interfaces(UIs). The UIs may be specifically associated with a web client (e.g., abrowser) or an application 109-111 executing on the client device 118that is in communication with the data processing platform 102. Forexample, the network-based permissioning system 104 provides userinterfaces to a user of the client device 118 (e.g., by communicating aset of computer-readable instructions to the client device 118 thatcause the client device 118 to display the user interfaces) that allowthe user to register policies associated with data resources stored inthe resource database 116.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an exemplary computer system137, which may comprise the data processing platform 102, one or more ofthe servers 106-108, the database server 114 and/or the network-basedpermissioning system 104, consistent with examples of the presentspecification is shown.

Computer system 137 includes a bus 138 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information, and a hardware processor 139 coupled withbus 138 for processing information. Hardware processor 139 can be, forexample, a general purpose microprocessor. Hardware processor 139comprises electrical circuitry.

Computer system 137 includes a main memory 140, such as a random accessmemory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, which is coupled to thebus 138 for storing information and instructions to be executed byprocessor 139. The main memory 140 can also be used for storingtemporary variables or other intermediate information during executionof instructions by the processor 139. Such instructions, when stored innon-transitory storage media accessible to the processor 139, render thecomputer system 137 into a special-purpose machine that is customized toperform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system 137 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 141 orother static storage device coupled to the bus 138 for storing staticinformation and instructions for the processor1 139. A storage device142, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled tothe bus 138 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 137 can be coupled via the bus 138 to a display 143,such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display, or touchscreen, for displaying information to a user. An input device 144,including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 138 forcommunicating information and command selections to the processor 139.Another type of user input device is cursor control 145, for exampleusing a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicatingdirection information and command selections to the processor 139 andfor controlling cursor movement on the display 143. The input devicetypically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (forexample, x) and a second axis (for example, y), that allows the deviceto specify positions in a plane.

Computer system 137 can implement the techniques described herein usingcustomized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/orprogram logic which in combination with the computer system causes orprograms computer system 137 to be a special-purpose machine. Accordingto some embodiments, the operations, functionalities, and techniquesdisclosed herein are performed by computer system 137 in response to theprocessor 139 executing one or more sequences of one or moreinstructions contained in the main memory 140. Such instructions can beread into the main memory 40 from another storage medium, such asstorage device 142. Execution of the sequences of instructions containedin main memory 140 causes the processor 139 to perform the process stepsdescribed herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry canbe used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any non-transitorymedia that stores data and/or instructions that cause a machine tooperate in a specific fashion. Such storage media can comprisenon-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes,for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 142.Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 140. Commonforms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magneticdata storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium,any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from, but can be used in conjunction with,transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fibre optics, including thewires that comprise bus 138. Transmission media can also take the formof acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-waveand infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media can be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 139 for execution. For example,the instructions can initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solidstate drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line or other transmission medium using a modem. A modem localto computer system 137 can receive the data on the telephone line orother transmission medium and use an infra-red transmitter to convertthe data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive thedata carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can placethe data on bus 138. Bus 138 carries the data to the main memory 140,from which the processor 139 retrieves and executes the instructions.The instructions received by the main memory 140 can optionally bestored on the storage device 142 either before or after execution by theprocessor 139.

Computer system 137 also includes a communication interface 146 coupledto the bus 138. The communication interface 146 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to a network link 147 that is connected to alocal network 148. For example, the communication interface 146 can bean integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, thecommunication interface 146 can be a local area network (LAN) card toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wirelesslinks can also be implemented. In any such implementation, thecommunication interface 146 sends and receives electrical,electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streamsrepresenting various types of information.

The network link 147 typically provides data communication through oneor more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link147 can provide a connection through the local network 148 to a hostcomputer 149 or to data equipment operated by an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) 150. The ISP 150 in turn provides data communicationservices through the world wide packet data communication network nowcommonly referred to as the “Internet” 151. The local network 148 andinternet 151 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signalsthat carry digital data streams. The signals through the variousnetworks and the signals on the network link 147 and through thecommunication interface 146, which carry the digital data to and fromthe computer system 137, are example forms of transmission media.

The computer system 137 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link 147 and communicationinterface 146. For example, a first application server 106 may transmitdata through the local network 148 to a different application server107, 108.

The data processing platform 102 may be a containerised data processingplatform.

In this regard, a containerised data platform comprises “containers”which hold one or more applications, and associated data libraries, thatare guaranteed to be co-located on the same host machine and which canshare resources. Such software platforms may also provide a set ofprimitives which collectively provide mechanisms for deploying,maintaining and scaling applications. A basic scheduling unit may becalled a pod. A pod may consist of one or more containers.

For example, FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a container 160 of acontainerised data processing platform. The container 160 in this casecomprises first to fourth applications 162, 163, 164, 165, each havingan associated library of functions, and a kernel 168. One or more of thefirst to fourth applications 162-165 may form part of a pod. Forexample, the first to third applications 162-164 may comprise a firstpod and the fourth application 165 may comprise a second pod. Forexample, the first pod may comprise a first external organisation'sapplications, whereas the second pod may comprise a second externalorganisation's applications. Either way, the first and second pods runin the same kernel, in this example.

In accordance with an example embodiment, one of the application servers106 in the data processing platform 102 shown in FIG. 1 comprises acustomised software application 109 for enabling users, e.g. externalcustomers, of the data processing platform to create their ownexecutable code for interaction with one or more other data resources onthe said platform.

FIG. 4 shows functional elements of the customised software tool 109,which may be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of both.The customised software tool 109 is an application which enables usersto create executable code in a way that requires less monitoring orassistance from the provider of the data processing platform 102 andwhich permits users to identify their code by means of an identifier,e.g. an endpoint such as a URL, which maps to the appropriate executionenvironment and any further business logic appropriate to the createdsoftware.

The customised software tool 109 is responsive to user requests 220 toopen a new file which the user may name accordingly upon opening.

The customised software tool 109 comprises an editor module 222, acommitted repository 224, a workstate module 226, an isolated executionenvironment 228 and a debugging helper 230.

The editor module 222 may be any form of text editor for receivingalphanumeric text relating to code in any suitable programming language.The editor module 222 may comprise associated menus and functions, suchas a create, edit, save, cut, copy, paste, commit.

The committed repository 224 is a dedicated storage module, isolated orpartitioned from other data resources stored on the data processingplatform 102, and which is specific to the customised software tool 109.The committed repository 224 stores code, which has been entered via theeditor module 222, and which has been committed by the user throughselection of the commit function provided with the editor module 222.The commit function of the editor module 222, when selected by the user,tells the customised software took 109 that the code is to be saved inthe committed repository 224. Selection of the commit function alsocauses a mapping or correspondence to be created (if not alreadycreated) between an identifier of the user-entered code and a processingenvironment with which the code is to be executed. The mapping may alsoidentify the user that created the code, for example to permitsubsequent access to that code only by the same user or peopleauthorised by the user, e.g. a group of users belonging to the sameorganisation. This may be determined using the network-basedpermissioning system 104 shown in FIG. 1.

The identifier may be an endpoint, such as a pathname or URL. Forexample, if the user creates a file called “helloworld” in a particularlanguage for generating a “hello world” message, the identifier may be apath such as:

-   -   https://software.tool:123/api/helloworld.py        in which “software.tool” references the server 106,        “software.tool:123” references the customised software tool 109        and “software.tool/api/” references the service running on the        path.

The processing environment with which the user-entered code “helloworld”is to be executed, as well as any other business logic, is identified orotherwise stored in the committed repository 224.

The processing environment and other business logic may beuser-specified explicitly or implicitly. For example, an explicit methodmay comprise the author/user definining the processing environment in aconfiguration file, e.g., for a configuration file helloworld.yml,environment: python3. For example, an implicit method may compriseimplicitly determining the processing environment using the fileextension. In the above example, the .py extension would map to aPython-capable environment.

Thus, the code can subsequently be referenced for processing simply bythe user entering the above identifier, as will be explained.

The workstate module 226 is another storage module, isolated orpartitioned from other data resources stored on the data processingplatform 102, and which is specific to the customised software tool 109.The workstate module 226 stores user-entered code as it is entered anddeletes or archives said code when it is committed to the committedrepository 224, or if the user closes the customised software tool 109.Thus, the workstate module 226 operates as a type of volatile storagesystem for uncommitted code as it is entered, although the memory itselfneed not be volatile memory. The workstate module 226 may be considereda form of auto save function, continually or periodically savinguncommitted code as it is entered.

The isolated execution environment 228 comprises an executionenvironment for executing, in isolation from the other data resourcesstored on the data processing platform 102, either or both of the userentered code stored on the committed repository 224 and the workstatemodule 226. The isolated execution environment may comprise a pool ofpre-provided execution environments corresponding to each environment,allowing for requests to be serviced quickly if there is an existing andunused environment available. When an environment is used, it may bediscarded and not used again. If the pool is empty, then each userrequest made via the endpoint (e.g., a URL) may incur the time cost ofpreparing an environment on top of the time it takes to run the code. Afurther optimization may include pre-provided execution environmentswith the code pre-fetched into them, further reducing the run time ofthe request. This may offer performance improvements.

The isolated execution environment 228 may operate in accordance to theconventions and requirements specified by the data processing platform228 so as to generate, when executing the user entered code, outputsconsistent with what would happen if said code was executed on outsideof the isolated environment on the data processing platform 102. Theisolated execution environment may operate in real-time or nearreal-time on code as it is entered, taking code associated with the sameidentifier from both the committed repository 224 and the workstatemodule 226.

The debugging helper 230 operates in association with the isolatedexecution environment 228. Particularly, the debugging helper 230receives data from the isolated execution environment 228, such asstandard outputs (e.g., stdout and stderr) as well as information suchas files generated by executing the code. The debugging helper 230 thenconverts the that information into user-friendly feedback that can beused for debugging purposes, which may be displayed in real-time or nearreal-time as the code is being entered. For example, consider a syntaxerror existing in the code. The code is run in the isolated executionenvironment 228 and the output stderr is passed to the debugging helper230. The debugging helper 230 transforms the output to a message similarto “Syntax error on line 23 of file hello.world.py.” The message ispassed to the user via the user interface, such as a warning, a list oferrors or indications in the code editor itself, e.g., highlighting thecode.

The debugging helper 230 may provide its debugging indications withinthe editor module 222, e.g. to highlight code that does not comply withsyntactical or logical requirements specified by the data processingplatform 228, for easy reference and remedial action. For example, aline of code that is being entered which has a syntax error may behighlighted with an indication of the error displayed above, togetherwith suggestions of one or more correct forms of the syntax, required orexpected. The debugging helper 230 may be arranged such thatuser-selection of the one of the suggestions causes the correspondingcode to be entered in place of the highlighted code.

Alternatively, a separate debugging user interface may be providedalongside, and displayed simultaneously with, the editor module 222, fordisplaying debugging indications.

Additionally, the debugging helper 230 may provide an output userinterface which displays executed output of the code. The executedoutput may be displayed in real-time or near real-time as the code isbeing entered. The output user interface may therefore display runtimeerrors, for example, indicating that the entered code does not complywith the requirements of the data processing platform 228, and whichparts are problematic, e.g. by specifying line numbers and the nature ofthe error. In some cases, one or more suggestions for remedial actionmay be provided or automatically invoked.

Additionally, the debugging helper 230 may provide an autocomplete orautofill function in relation to code as it is entered. For example,code comprising of a word or partial world may be recognised ascorresponding to at least part of an instruction, definition or logicalstatement. In such case, the debugging helper 230 may be configured todisplay an indication of one or more suggestions comprising theinstruction, definition or logical statement that the user may wish toenter, the suggestions conforming to the correct forms of the syntax,required or expected. User-selection of one of the suggestions may causethe corresponding code to be entered in place of the entered code.

It follows that, after performance of debugging using the editor module222 which runs in association with the debugging helper 230, edited codemay again be committed by selecting the commit function, causing thecode to be updated in the committed repository 224.

In some embodiments, code may only be committed in the committedrepository 224 provided it satisfies the requirements specified by thedata processing platform. Requirements may include, but are not limitedto, one or more of code style checks, correctness checks and the codebeing able to compile.

In general summary, therefore, the customised software tool 109 providesa way for users to create new code, for example for creating newapplications, which may or may not interact with data resources storedelsewhere on the data processing platform 228, in a more intuitive andhelpful way in order that the code produced can meet certainrequirements that may be imposed by the data processing platform 228.The requirements typically ensure that the created code will notadversely impact the data processing platform 228, or any other dataresources on the data processing platform with which it may interact, orat least minimise the chances of this occurring. This functionality isachieved within a repository and execution environment that is isolatedor partitioned from other data resources on the data processingplatform.

Furthermore, the created code stored on the committed repository 224, aswell as its associated processing environment, is associated with aunique identifier, such as an endpoint or URL. As will be explainedbelow, this permits the code to be passed for interaction with the dataprocessing platform 228 merely by submitting the identifier rather thanuploading or transferring the code to the data processing platform 228itself. The provided functionality may be referred to as ‘serverless’ asthe created code does not need to reside on the server of the other dataresources with which it will interact.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing processing operations that may beperformed by the customised software tool 109 when implemented on aprocessor 139 shown in FIG. 2. The processing operations may representprogram instructions stored on one or more of the ROM 141, main memory140 or ROM 141 of, in this example, the server 106 of the dataprocessing platform 102. In the foregoing, the numbering of theprocessing operations is not necessarily indicative of the requiredorder to operations, and re-ordering may be employed. Not everyoperation may be required in some situations.

A first operation 5.1 comprises receiving, through a code creation tool,user-entered computer-readable code.

A second operation 5.2 comprises committing the entered code to a datarepository.

A third operation 5.3 comprises creating an identifier which maps thecommitted code to an execution environment for running the committedcode on a data processing platform. Other features may include the tightintegration of the customised software tool 109 to the rest of thesystem, including the provision of buttons and menues to help operatethe tool, and the integration of the above debugging helper 230.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing, in a further embodiment, processingoperations that may be performed by the customised software tool 109when implemented on a processor 139 shown in FIG. 2. The processingoperations may represent program instructions stored on one or more ofthe ROM 141, main memory 140 or ROM 141 of, in this example, the server106 of the data processing platform 102. In the foregoing, the numberingof the processing operations is not necessarily indicative of therequired order to operations, and re-ordering may be employed. Not everyoperation may be required in some situations.

A first operation 6.1 comprises receiving, through a code creation tool,user-entered computer-readable code.

A second operation 6.2 comprises testing the user-enteredcomputer-readable code to determine if it conforms with requirements ofthe data processing platform and/or one or more data resources withwhich it will interact.

A third operation 6.3 comprises, if the code does conform, committingthe entered code to a data repository.

A fourth operation 6.4 comprises creating an identifier which maps thecommitted code to an execution environment for running the committedcode on a data processing platform.

A fifth operation 6.5 comprises, if the code does not conform in theoperation 6.2, indicating errors to the user.

A sixth operation 6.6 comprises, receiving edits based on the indicatederrors. The process may then return to the second operation 6.2.

FIG. 7a shows an example user interface 250 associated with thecustomised software tool 109 described above. The user interface 250 maycomprise an upper toolbar 252 which is a standard toolbar permittingusers to access different functional items of a file system associatedwith the data processing platform 102. For example, a user may accessthe “files” functional item and select from a series of pulldown optionsa “create new” option. Responsive to this, the user may specify a filename 254 for storage in a selected directory for the user. A new editorwindow 256 may be simultaneously displayed for receiving user enteredcode in the form of alphanumeric characters. In the shown example, anoutput window 258 is displayed simultaneously with the editor window256. The output window 258, as explained previously, permits runtimeerrors to be indicated in real-time or near real-time as code isentered, based on what happens on the isolated execution environment.

An example line of code 260 is shown partially entered in the editorwindow 256. As previously indicated, errors or autofill suggestions 262may be shown overlaid with code as it is entered in the editor window256. In this case, entry of the text “han” causes the automaticprompting of the suggestions 262 which include this string of letters.Selection of one of said suggestions 262, e.g. “greaterThan” may causethis string to replace the original string. Similarly, if an error ofsyntax or logic is detected, the error and/or one or more correctreplacements may be suggested in a similar manner.

A “commit” option 264 is displayed as part of the user interface 250,selection of which causes the entered code to be committed to thecommitted repository 224 shown in FIG. 4. Prior to this, entered code isautosaved in the workstate 226 module. Responsive to selection of the“commit” option 264, the customised software tool 109 may highlightcritical errors that the code may still contain which would prevent itsinteraction with data resources stored on the data processing platform102. Alternatively, the customised software tool 109 may preventcommitment until such code does conform with at least a minimal set ofrequirements of the data processing platform 102.

For example, FIG. 7b shows the example user interface 250 subsequent toselection of the “commit” option 264. Responsive to said selection, afurther window 270 may appear, enabling tailoring of a commit messagewhich may indicate the date and time of the commitment. Selection of afurther “commit” option 272 will cause commitment of the code to thecommitted repository 224. Additionally, the output window 258 maydisplay the generated output prior to selection of the further “commit”option 272.

In accordance with another embodiment, the application server 106, or adifferent application server, in the data processing platform 102 maycomprise a code execution application 300 for enabling users, e.g.external customers, of the data processing platform to execute theircustomised executable code for interaction with one or more other dataresources on the said platform. For example, the customised executablecode may be generated using the customised software tool 109, describedabove with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

The code execution application 300 may form part of the same applicationas the customised software tool 109, or it may be a separateapplication.

FIG. 8 shows functional elements of the code execution application 300.The code execution application 300 is an application which allows usersto run their code merely by entering the above-described identifier,e.g. the endpoint or URL, into a user interface.

Responsive to specifying the identifier, the code execution application300 is configured to collect the identified code from the committedrepository 224, as well as the mapped processing environment, and anyother specified business logic, in order to execute that code inisolation from other data resources on the data processing platform 102.That is, any requests made to said other data resources, or receivedtherefrom, is made via a proxy which further ensures that the code willnot adversely affect said other data resources. This provides a furtherway by which customised code can be executed in a secure and safe way.

The code execution application 300 comprises a router 304, a mappingmodule 306, a worker module 308, an isolated environment manager module310, an isolated execution environment 312, a committed repository 314,which may be the same as the committed repository 224 shown in FIG. 4,one or more artefacts 316, a pool of execution environments, one or moresoftware libraries 320 and a proxy 322.

The various modules shown in FIG. 8 may be combined into a smallernumber, or a single module in some circumstances.

The router 304 receives requests 303 from one or more users 302. Therequest 303 may simply comprise the identifier, e.g. a URL. The router304 is configured to map the identifier, using the mapping 306, to thecustomised code and execution environment needed to run the code. Therouter 304 then sends the mapping to the worker 308.

The worker 308 communicates with the isolated environment manager 310 tocheck that the required execution environment is available from the poolof execution environments 318. The isolated environment manager 310 is avirtualised environment controller, which provides, manages and/orco-ordinates the isolated environment(s). The pool of executionenvironments 318 stores a plurality of different execution environmentsfrom which the worker 308 can select one suitable or appropriate to thecustomised code. Each execution environment in the pool 318 isconfigured to conform with the data processing platform 102.

If the required execution environment is available in the pool ofexecution environments 318, the worker 308 then prepares the requiredexecution environment to be the selected execution environment 312. Theselected execution environment 312 receives the identified code from thecommitted repository 314, as well as any artefacts 316 required, as wellas any data libraries 320 required.

The worker 308 then makes another request to execute the identified codeon the selected and prepared executable environment 312.

If at any time the executed code requests data from other data resourceson the data processing platform 324, or indeed if requests are receivedfrom said other data resources to the executed code, such requests aremade via the proxy 322. The proxy 322 is configured to translate overthe security layer and may receive configuration data 323. Theconfiguration data may come from the code created by the author, as wellas data that's controlled by the maintainer of the service, e.g. theadministrator. The configuration data allows users to define whatservices it wants access to, as well as permissions it may require. Forexample, the user may want access to www.example123.com to fetch thehomepage, or access to make a WRITE request to another service. Examplesof sources of this data may come from the administrator of the service,or a file within the code repository, similar to the helloworld.ymlexample given above.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing, in a further embodiment, processingoperations that may be performed by the code execution application 300when implemented on a processor 139 shown in FIG. 2. The processingoperations may represent program instructions stored on one or more ofthe ROM 141, main memory 140 or ROM 141 of, in this example, the server106 of the data processing platform 102. In the foregoing, the numberingof the processing operations is not necessarily indicative of therequired order to operations, and re-ordering may be employed. Not everyoperation may be required in some situations.

A first operation 9.1 comprises receiving a request including anidentifier identifying executable code stored in the data repository.

A second operation 9.2 comprises determining, using the identifier, anexecution environment mapped to the executable code.

A third operation 9.3 comprises executing the identified executable codeusing the determined execution environment.

A fourth operation 9.4 comprises passing requests made with theexecutable code to the proxy.

A fifth, optional, operation 9.5 comprises receiving requests to theexecutable code from the proxy. In some embodiments, the code executionapplication 300 may make further requests to other services as the usermakes the initial request. For example, if a user makes a call tohelloworld.yml, that code may fetch data to see what the user has accessto, and return the processed results. Also, it can scope down accessthat proxied requests have, assuming the use of a permissioning system.For example, a user may wish to ensure that proxied requests will beperformed as the original requesting user, but with less permissions,such as only permitting READ access and not WRITE access.

The following numbered clauses, which are not intended as claims, form apart of this disclosure:

1. A method of executing computer-readable code for interaction with oneor more data resources on a data processing platform, the methodperformed using one or more processors, comprising: receiving a requestmessage including an identifier identifying executable code stored in adata repository; determining, using the identifier, an executionenvironment mapped to the executable code; executing the identifiedexecutable code using the determined execution environment; passingrequests made with the executable code to one or more data resources viaa proxy; wherein the identifier is an endpoint and/or wherein theendpoint is a universal resource locator (URL.)

2. A method as previously stated, the debugging aid causing indicationof the errors simultaneously with the user-created code as it isentered.

3. A method of creating customised computer-readable code forinteraction with one or more data resources on a data processingplatform, wherein the method is performed using one or more processors,the method comprising: receiving, through a code creation tool,user-entered computer-readable code; committing the entered code to adata repository; creating an identifier which maps to the committed codeand to an execution environment for running the committed code on thedata processing platform.

4. The method of clause 3, wherein the identifier is an endpoint.

5. The method of clause 4, wherein the endpoint is a URL.

6. The method of clause 3, further comprising receiving the identifierfrom a proxy, and sending back to the proxy the mapped committed codeand an indication of the execution environment for execution of thecommitted code at the proxy.

7. The method of clause 3, wherein the code creation tool comprises aneditor for receiving entered code and a debugging aid for indicating oneor more of syntax errors, logical errors and runtime errors in theentered code for conformance with the data processing platform and/orthe external data resources with which the entered code will interact,the method further comprising testing the entered code using thedebugging aid to indicate one or more of said errors.

8. The method of clause 7, wherein the debugging aid causes indicationof the errors simultaneously with the user-created code as it isentered.

9. The method of clause 7, wherein the debugging aid interacts with anisolated test execution environment in order to identify runtime errorsfor indication.

10. The method of clause 7, wherein the code creation tool permitscommitment of the entered code for storage on the data repository.

11. The method of clause 10, wherein commitment of code is onlypermitted if the entered code conforms with requirements of the dataprocessing platform and/or the data resources with which the code willinteract.

12. The method of clause 10, wherein the code creation tool furthertemporarily stores entered, but non-committed code, and wherein anisolated test execution environment executes both the committed andnon-committed code for displaying test output and/or indicating errors.

13. One or more computer-readable non-transitory data storage mediastoring one or more sequences of program instructions which, whenexecuted by one or more processors of a data processing apparatus,causes the data processing apparatus to perform a method of interactionwith one or more data resources on a data processing platform, themethod comprising: receiving, through a code creation tool, user-enteredcomputer-readable code; committing the entered code to a datarepository; creating an identifier which maps to the committed code andto an execution environment for running the committed code on the dataprocessing platform.

14. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 13, wherein theidentifier is a URL.

15. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 13, furthercomprising instructions which when executed cause receiving theidentifier from a proxy, and sending back to the proxy the mappedcommitted code and an indication of the execution environment forexecution of the committed code at the proxy.

16. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 13, wherein the codecreation tool comprises an editor for receiving entered code and adebugging aid for indicating one or more of syntax errors, logicalerrors and runtime errors in the entered code for conformance with thedata processing platform and/or the external data resources with whichthe entered code will interact, the media further comprisinginstructions which when executed cause testing the entered code usingthe debugging aid to indicate one or more of said errors.

17. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 16, wherein thedebugging aid causes indication of the errors simultaneously with theuser-created code as it is entered.

18. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 16, wherein thedebugging aid interacts with an isolated test execution environment inorder to identify runtime errors for indication.

19. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 16, wherein the codecreation tool permits commitment of the entered code for storage on thedata repository.

20. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 19, whereincommitment of code is only permitted if the entered code conforms withrequirements of the data processing platform and/or the data resourceswith which the code will interact.

21. The non-transitory data storage media of clause 19, wherein the codecreation tool further temporarily stores entered, but non-committedcode, and wherein an isolated test execution environment executes boththe committed and non-committed code for displaying test output and/orindicating errors.

Although claims have been formulated in this application, as recited inthe next section, to particular combinations of features, it should beunderstood that the scope of the disclosure of the present inventionalso includes any novel features or any novel combination of featuresdisclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalizationthereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presentlyclaimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of thesame technical problems as does the present invention. The applicanthereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such featuresand/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of thepresent application or of any further application derived therefrom.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of executing computer-readable code forinteraction with one or more data resources on a data processingplatform, the method performed using one or more processors, comprising:receiving, at a data processing apparatus, a request message includingan identifier identifying executable code stored in a data repository;using, by the data processing apparatus, the identifier identifyingexecutable code stored in the data repository to: determine an executionenvironment of a plurality of stored execution environments mapped tothe identified executable code, wherein the determination comprisesaccessing mapping data identifying a mapping between the identifier andthe execution environment, wherein the mapping data includesconfiguration data associated with the identifier, wherein the executionenvironment supports the executable code, wherein each of the pluralityof stored execution environments conforms with the data processingplatform thereby ensuring that each of the plurality of stored executionenvironments operates in accordance with requirements specified by thedata processing apparatus; determine whether the execution environmentis available to be used as an environment from the plurality of storedexecution environments; in response to determining that the executionenvironment is available to be used as an environment, configuring theexecution environment based on the configuration data; receiving theidentified executable code from the data repository; executing theidentified executable code on the execution environment; passingrequests made with the executable code to the one or more data resourcesvia a proxy.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the execution environmentwith which the identified executable code is executed is isolated fromthe one or more data resources such that all requests made to, orreceived from, the one or more data resources are made via the proxy. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising the proxy only passingrequests made by the identified executable code to the one or more dataresources if the one or more data resources is pre-authorized.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the configuration data identifies one or moreconvention-based data libraries particular to the executable code, andfurther comprising configuring the execution environment to access theone or more convention-based data libraries during execution.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the executable code is user-createdcomputer-readable code entered through a code creation tool for storageon the data repository, the code creation tool being associated with thedata processing platform.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the codecreation tool comprises an editor for receiving entered code and adebugging aid for indicating one or more of syntax errors, logicalerrors and runtime errors in the entered code for conformance with thedata processing platform and/or the one or more data resources withwhich the entered code will interact.
 7. The method of claim 5, whereinthe debugging aid interacts with an isolated test execution environmentin order to identify runtime errors for indication.
 8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the code creation tool permits commitment of theentered code for storage on the data repository.
 9. The method of claim5, wherein the code creation tool permits commitment of code only if theentered code conforms with the data processing platform and/or the oneor more data resources with which the entered code will interact. 10.The method of claim 5, wherein the code creation tool temporarily storesentered, but non-committed code, and wherein an isolated test executionenvironment executes both the committed and non-committed code fordisplaying test output and/or indicating errors.
 11. One or morecomputer-readable non-transitory data storage media storing one or moresequences of program instructions which, when executed by one or moreprocessors of a data processing apparatus, causes the data processingapparatus to perform a method of executing computer-readable code forinteraction with one or more data resources on a data processingplatform, the method comprising: receiving, at the data processingapparatus, a request message including an identifier identifyingexecutable code stored in a data repository; using, by the dataprocessing apparatus, the identifier identifying executable code storedin the data repository to: determine an execution environment of aplurality of stored execution environments mapped to the identifiedexecutable code, wherein the determination comprises accessing mappingdata identifying a mapping between the identifier and the executionenvironment, wherein the mapping data includes configuration dataassociated with the identifier, wherein the execution environmentsupports the executable code, wherein each of the plurality of storedexecution environments conforms with the data processing platformthereby ensuring that each of the plurality of stored executionenvironments operates in accordance with requirements specified by thedata processing apparatus; determine whether the execution environmentis available to be used as an environment from the plurality of storedexecution environments; in response to determining that the executionenvironment is available to be used as an environment, configuring theexecution environment based on the configuration data; receiving theidentified executable code from the data repository; executing theidentified executable code on the execution environment; passingrequests made with the executable code to the one or more data resourcesvia a proxy.
 12. The one or more non-transitory data storage media ofclaim 11, wherein the execution environment with which the identifiedexecutable code is executed is isolated from the one or more dataresources such that all requests made to, or received from, the one ormore data resources are made via the proxy, and further comprisinginstructions which when executed cause the proxy only passing requestsmade by the identified executable code to the one or more data resourcesif the one or more data resources is pre-authorized.
 13. The one or morenon-transitory data storage media of claim 11, wherein the configurationdata identifies one or more convention-based data libraries particularto the executable code, and further comprising instructions which whenexecuted cause configurating the execution environment to access the oneor more convention-based data libraries during execution.
 14. The one ormore non-transitory data storage media of claim 11, wherein theexecutable code is user-created computer-readable code entered through acode creation tool for storage on the data repository, the code creationtool being associated with the data processing platform.
 15. The one ormore non-transitory data storage media of claim 14, wherein the codecreation tool comprises an editor for receiving entered code and adebugging aid for indicating one or more of syntax errors, logicalerrors and runtime errors in the entered code for conformance with thedata processing platform and/or the one or more data resources withwhich the entered code will interact.
 16. The one or more non-transitorydata storage media of claim 14, wherein the code creation tool permitscommitment of the entered code for storage on the data repository. 17.The one or more non-transitory data storage media of claim 14, whereinthe code creation tool permits commitment of code only if the enteredcode conforms with the data processing platform and/or the one or moredata resources with which the entered code will interact.
 18. The one ormore non-transitory data storage media of claim 14, wherein the codecreation tool temporarily stores entered, but non-committed code, andwherein an isolated test execution environment executes both thecommitted and non-committed code for displaying test output and/orindicating errors.
 19. The one or more non-transitory data storage mediaof claim 14, wherein the debugging aid interacts with an isolated testexecution environment in order to identify runtime error for indication.